ONE of Scotland’s favourite traditional bands is heading to Galashiels for a festive knees-up.

Skipinnish will play at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on Friday (December 28) to round off a memorable year for the band.

With a strong mix of powerful bagpipe, fiddle and accordion-led sets, Skipinnish encompass the very best of contemporary Celtic music. And 2018 has been the biggest year for them yet since they formed in 1999 when co-founders Andrew Stevenson and Angus MacPhail joined forces.

They have since been joined by drummer Rory Grindlay, piper Alasdair Murray, lead singer Norrie MacIver, Angus Tikka on bass, pianist and piper Alastair Iain Paterson, and Archie McAllister on Scottish fiddle.

The band was named Live Act of the Year at the Trad Music Awards in 2017.

And throughout this year they have seen sell-out gigs across the country including a ground-breaking show at the Usher Hall and a return to the famous Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow.

With eight million Spotify streams and millions of YouTube hits under their collective belts, their appeal is widespread.

A spokesman for Skipinnish said: “We are really looking forward to playing in Galashiels.

"This is the first time we have played there and we are looking forward to a brilliant night!”

The festive gig has been organised by Live Borders.

And Hamish Moir, events and programming officer, believes it will be a night to remember.

He said: “We are very excited to host Skipinnish at the Volunteer Hall.

"This hugely popular and inspiring band will be performing their best-loved hits as part of their Winter Tour, ending 2018 in style.

"Tickets have sold incredibly well and I don’t doubt the remaining tickets will be snapped up fast!

“At Live Borders, we love to see our halls being used by great acts, for a high quality night of entertainment.

"There are a whole host of live music, comedy and family-friendly performances planned for 2019 and I recommend heading to the Live Borders’ website to check out the full schedule.”

Tickets for Skipinnish at the Volunteer Hall on Friday, December 28 are priced at £22.15 and available from www.eventbrite.co.uk or by calling 01750 725480.